In the upcoming year, persistent uncertain and risk is projected for the US health industry, according to PwC’s Health Reach Institute’s newly released Healthcare trend report. The challenges of 2017, heated debates over health and tax reform and natural disasters could echo in 2018. Payers have already been strategizing for 2018, but looking at the 12 defining healthcare trends for 2018 can assist payers with long-term planning.

CEOs at hospitals and health systems are faced with increasing headwinds as they look to move forward in an uncertain environment. So what are the key issues and trends CEOs are facing? Deloitte interviewed 20 health system CEOs this year to find out. While none of the key themes emerging from our interviews have really changed since Deloitte last spoke with health system CEOs, the urgency certainly has. Instead of thinking about these issues in a futuristic sense, CEOs are ready to address and tackle them now.

Over the past 40 years Health, United States provided an annual picture of the health of the United States, identified variations in health status, modifiable risk factors, and health care utilization among people by age, race and ethnicity, gender, income level, and geographic location. Examining long-term health trends inform the development and implementation of effective health policies and programs.

The shift to accountable care and value based payment models is coming. Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are just one of the value-based models making waves throughout the healthcare industry. Based on current growth trends it is predicted by 2020 approximately 70 million people will be covered by ACOs. Focusing on shared accountability and quality improvement, ACOs have become champions of the healthcare triple aim. Not to mention a major player in CMS’ plan to tie a large percentage of payments to value by 2017. As ACOs soar in popularity now is the time to weigh your options. Are you are thinking or making the transition to an ACO? What are the benefits

By teaming with community organizations, doctors and hospitals can deliver high-quality care at good value to disadvantaged people at risk for poor health, according to a new report from a panel of experts. The report released Thursday by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine was produced to aid Medicare officials studying how to fairly pay hospitals that disproportionately serve patients with social risk factors for health problems. Those factors include low income, social isolation, disadvantaged neighborhoods and limited health literacy.

Last week we introduced Gwen Roberts, SVP of BHM’s Consulting Division and discussed common questions that come up when organizations start the accreditation journey, focusing mainly on choosing between URAC and NCQA health plan accreditation. This week we are focusing on four key elements organizations should consider when deciding between healthcare accreditation bodies. Since many organizations have very diversified programs and levels, it’s important to understand the culture and expectation of your own organization first. Here are four helpful points that you can use as a guide as you begin your journey towards accreditation.

October 1st is here and with it arrives ICD-10. Whether the looming implementation date of the new codes sent your organization into a state of urgency or the date felt like a non-event, ICD-10 is here. There will be a strong focus on the transition to ICD-10 in the coming months and we know it isn't going to be easy, as resources and employees get allocated to fix errors and educate staff. It's important to remember that focus and communication will be key to get through the ICD-10 era. To help make this transition less overwhelming we have complied a list of seven last minute tips to help you successfully transition to ICD-10.

Our guest post this week is from Practice Bridge and covers the very near implementation date of ICD-10. "We will be using ICD-10 in a just over a week. But before that do you know the status on ICD-10 implementation? With the help of coding veterans and influencers, I have come up with few facts most healthcare professionals miss out. In this infographics our experts have shared 6 foundation blocks for successful ICD-10 implementation. Let me break down the facts and foundations for you."

Specialty pharmacy is a growing industry and with many pharmacies moving toward accreditation, the process can get overwhelming. The following infographic will review some basics of the new CPPA Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation.

"BHM provides consultation and direct clinical oversight to East Carolina Behavioral Health as a delegated authority for clinical peer review and physician services. We have been extremely satisfied, and value the organization’s depth and breadth of knowledge. BHM continues to exceed our expectations."

Cindy Ehlers,
V P Clinical Operations, Trillium (formerly ECBH)

"6 of the top 10 largest health plans* entrust BHM for behavioral health peer reviews.